Things to Do at Raccoon Valley

Be sure to pick up an activities calendar from the manager’s office. Besides the regular park activities, this park is close to so many neat attractions located within an hour of the park.

Photo Courtesy of Museum of Appalachia

Start your explorations at the Museum of Appalachia, located only a 7-minute drive from the park. There you will find a collection of unique pioneer buildings and artifacts. Afterwards, head to Powell, which is about 7 miles away from the park, and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many wonderful restaurants there.

Photo by Jon Gustin

The city of Knoxville is a short 15-mile drive where you will find a larger city atmosphere offering tons of shopping, dining and activities to fill your day with. You could stop by the Knoxville visitor center and pick up a brochure on the self-guided Civil War Driving Tour, visit the Knoxville Zoo, or even go on a Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tour. For the dog lover, be sure to take your pet for a stroll through the dog park downtown to take in the beautiful atmosphere!

Tourist attractions Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both about 50 miles away. They both offer a variety of family-friendly entertainment with attractions such as theme parks, zip lining, shows, museums, aquariums, even plenty of go-karts and miniature golf! You may just want to relax and take in the breathtaking mountain views at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to more than 1,500 bears! There’s an endless amount of fun to be had at each of these destinations and it is sure to fill your day with excitement and adventure!

Photo by Brian Stansberry

While you are touring the area, be sure to visit historic Rugby, one of the most authentically preserved historic villages in America, located approximately 75 miles west of the park. Take a camera and enjoy every minute of the restored Victorian village founded in 1880. For the wine enthusiasts, you will find some very nice wineries in the area.